Manqoba Mngqithi turns focus to Young Africans after failed Kaizer Chiefs move

Mngqithi was unveiled as Yanga's new head coach on Friday, marking a new chapter in his coaching career following his departure from Golden Arrows at the end of the 2025/26 season.

The experienced tactician left Abafana Bes'thende despite overseeing an impressive campaign and was subsequently linked with several high-profile jobs, including the Amakhosi head coach job with the club going for Fernando da Cruz.

However, it is Young Africans who secured Mngqithi's services, with the former Mamelodi Sundowns coach admitting he was impressed by the project presented by the Tanzanian powerhouse.

"It's a good project, I cannot lie and say it's not a good project," said Mngqithi on Radio 2000

"And I know Chiefs did have an interest in me, it's not a lie, but it never reached any fruition because there are people who also block these moves.

"There are people who always find a way to speak negatively about a person. The Chiefs one never even went to a point of terms or position because someone blocked it."

Mngqithi revealed that Chiefs' interest in him dates back to before he joined Sundowns in 2014, when he even visited Naturena for a presentation.

"I've had very cordial talks even with Senior Kaizer Motaung. I know they have always shown interest in me, but for whatever reason it hasn't happened," he added.

With the Chiefs opportunity once again haing failed to materialise, Mngqithi has now turned his attention to Young Africans and the challenge of leading one of East Africa's biggest football clubs.